Stricken plane lands on U.S. 6

A small single-engine plane was forced to make an emergency landing on U.S. 6 near Diamond Fork Canyon Thursday, Mar. 4. According to Utah Highway Patrol Officer Cameron Roden the plane experienced engine problems after fueling in Colorado.

The pilot, hailing from Tremonton in northern Utah, was making his return flight when he noticed a loss of power in the aircraft.

As he lost altitude, U.S. 6 came into view and he found an appropriate place to put the plane down.

The pilot was successful in landing the plane on the roadway with no injury to himself, the plane, or motorists. He taxied out of the lanes of traffic and reported the incident to police. UHP responded and checked out the pilot for injuries.

The plane was parked overnight while the decision to attempt a take off or truck the plane north was made. It was decided after the plane was inspected by a mechanic that flight would be possible.

He received proper clearance to take off from the road and the highway was shut down Friday until the plane was parked facing a straight downhill section of the road. At 10 a.m. on Saturday the road was closed again and the plane took off without incident.